Studing with Taronga Training Institute

How much work is involved in an accredited course?

Classroom sessions, practical and assessment. Assessments include practical observations during class, written tests, reports and supervisor reports. The Certificate III in Captive Animals course includes some in-depth report writing and research

Can I get extensions on assessments?

Assessment deadlines must be adhered to during TTI courses. Any requests for extension must be expressed in writing prior to the due date and must be approved by the TTI Manager. Evidence of extenuating circumstances must be provided where a student misses a deadline without approval from the TTI Manager.

Do you deliver by correspondence/to international students?

The Taronga Training Institute does not currently deliver to International students or via correspondence.

Do I have to wear a uniform?

Accepted students are required to wear the Taronga Training Institute uniform consisting of a polo shirt and/or polar fleece jumper at all times when they are on site. Orders and payment details must be included on the enrolment form.

Working as a Zoo Keeper

There is an enormous amount of interest in this field of employment. However, there are a number of things you can do to increase your chances for the future.

Most people who are successfully employed as Zoo keepers have gained experience in the animal care industry as volunteers or as part of an animal society or study group. Experience at a veterinary surgery, wildlife park, RSPCA centre, animal welfare organisation, dog training business, wildlife rescue agency, or as a kennel attendant, animal breeder, and animal groomer are useful.

Zoo keeping staff are required to have experience in the animal care industry, or have completed ACM20110 Certificate II in Animal Studies. They are also expected to complete ACM30110 Certificate III in Captive Animals prior to, or early in their employment. However, having completed Certificate III prior to applying for a position will increase the chances of being employed.

There are a number of institutes offering the required courses. As a student of the Taronga Training Institute, you are placed as an intern keeper at Taronga Zoo to complete the required practical component of the course.

Most Zoo Keepers work a 7 day roster, 365 days a year. At Taronga Zoo, the working hours range between 6am and 4pm.

Practical Component

When can I do my practical?

Certificate II in Animal Studies students are required to attend set practical placment days at Taronga Zoo as a requirement of their course. Students enrolled in the Ceritifcate III in Tourism or Certificate III in Captive Animals indicate which days of the week (including weekends for the Certificate III in Captive Animals) that they are available to do their practical component on the enrolment form. The Taronga Training Institute will work around the needs of the student wherever possible. A fee may be charged if any changes are made to scheduled practical days throughout the course.

What do I do during practical?

Taronga Training Institute students will be given experience on two or more divisions during their practical.

Animal Studies and Captive Animals Students will be given the opportunity during their practical to do basic keeping tasks under supervision or by assisting a trained Zoo keeper. Basic keeping tasks include preparing food, cleaning, and maintenance. Over time, Certificate III students may also be given the opportunity to be involved in more complex tasks.

Students are required to complete a practical journal and have skills competencies signed off by their supervising keepers.

Tourism Students will given the opportunity to work in various customer facing roles within the Zoo while on their practical placement. Students will be supervised by experienced staff members and will be able to work on their customer service, guiding and presentation skills.

What do I wear for practical?

A Taronga Training Institute t-shirt or jumper is available for students to purchase as a part of the enrolment process. The uniiform is compulsory and aid our staff in recognising you as a student. Neutral coloured, hard-wearing shorts or pants, sun protective clothing and closed shoes are the accepted wear for practical.

Do I get to handle animals?

The handling of animals is not a common part of a Zoo keeper's daily role. Usually duties include the preparation of food, cleaning of exhibits and housing and other maintenance activities. Students may get the opportunity to handle animals, under supervision only, through their classroom sessions, or on the rare occasion during their practical.

Fee Payment

How can I pay for my course fees?

Payment of course fees are made online. ANZ e-way hosts our online secure payment gateway. All payments are made in Australian dollars.

Do I have to pay the course fees when I lodge my application?

No, your fees will be payable only once TTI has offered you a position in the course - positions will be offered approximately one month after the closing date of enrolments for Certificate II and approximately two months after the closing date for Certificate III in Tourism and Certificate III in Captive Animals. In order to secure your position in the course you will need to finalise your payment within two weeks of being offered the position.

What do the TTI course fees include?

We have valued the courses we offer at the Taronga Training Institute based on; the access to our highly qualified staff (as Trainer and Assessors and as Supervisors during practical); the access to our zoo (for classroom sessions and practical); the organisation of your practical component for you (at Taronga Zoo); the quality of our course materials (developed by our own staff); the personalised student services we offer; and a Certificate with the Taronga Training Institute's logo and name on it at the completion of the course.

Are TTI courses fee subsidised?

Due to the government's vocational education reform in NSW, Smart and Skilled, from 1 January 2015 there will be new price and fee arrangements for government subsidised qualifications offered by Taronga Training Institute. Cost will vary by individual dependent on a number of factors including previous education. Further information will be provided as it becomes available.

Student Transport and Accommodation Options

From Circular Quay to Mosman Bay then bus no 247 to Taronga. Click here to plan your travel

Car: Students should park in the staff carpark area or the public carpark. After 6pm, lights will only be available on the ground level. Students attending evening classes should park on the ground level only.

What accommodation is available?

The Taronga Training Institute does not organise accommodation for students.There are a variety of student accommodation options around Sydney. The following is a guide to accommodation prices.

Share Accommodation: Your own bedroom in a shared house or apartment $150 - $300 per week.

Full Board or Homestay: Your own bedroom, usually in a family home, breakfast and dinner, or all meals are provided $200 - $400 per week.

Flat/Unit/Apartment Rental: Self contained property with one or more bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, living room and laundry. Prices vary depending on location and quality. Between $250 - $400 per week for a 1 bedroom property.

Withdrawal/Deferment

What if I want to defer/withdraw?

Refund Policy: Students are advised to give careful consideration to their course enrolment decision as enrolled students are only eligible for a refund of course fees if the Taronga Training Institute cancels the course; or if the student advises of their cancellation at least 30 working days prior to the commencement date of the course. An administration fee of $100 will apply to students who cancel their enrolment.

Withdrawal Policy: Students wanting to withdraw are required to do so in writing. Where a student has started the course and elected to withdraw, the balance of their course fees is payable within 30 days of their notice of withdrawal.

Deferral Policy: Students wanting to defer may do so for a period of six months only. A position will only be held for a deferring student if the course fees have been paid on the original due dates. Where a student elects to defer, they are required to do so in writing with an indication of a date of return to the course.

Support Services

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There are language, literacy and numeracy demands on each of our courses. It is suggested that students have completed their high school education up to and including at least year 10.

Language, literacy and numeracy courses are available at TAFE NSW (Sydney) or TAFE NSW (Western Sydney).